Emergency management crews prepare to handle snow in Henryetta

Several inches of snow caused problems for drivers who traveled along the Oklahoma I-40 corridor on Christmas day. The Henryetta Fire Department and Emergency management crew told FOX23 that they had prepared days in advance for the winter storm.

“We made sure that all of the equipment was up and operational, we have snow chains for the trucks, salt for the roads and emergency bags for the officers if they are called somewhere for an extended period of time,” said Henryetta Fire Marshal and City Manager, Raymond Eldridge.

Eldridge and his team cover a wide area including I-40, the Indian Nation Turnpike and Highway 75. He says they are called to anything from house fires to emergency rescues.

“We prepare for the worst, hope for the best and just what comes,” said Eldridge.

Drivers told FOX23 that it was reassuring to know that they had someone to call if they ran into trouble on the roadways.

“It’s very, very slick out there,” said Richard Kramer of Henryetta. Kramer says that the snow coupled with ice created a difficult drive into town on rural roads.

“The roads were drivable until you run into an ice spot and there were plenty of those,” said Kramer.

Tristan Demmitt he said that the white Christmas turned from beautiful to nerve wracking.

“These kind of weather conditions can become real tricky, real quick,” said Demmitt.

Eldridge said his best advice is to stay indoors until the snow and storms dissipate.

“Don’t drive around if you don’t have to go out,” said Eldridge.

To check current road conditions, contact the Department of Public Safety’s road conditions hotline at 888-425-2385.